What are the advantages and disadvantages of quartz countertops?
Advantages of quartz countertop
When it comes to quartz countertops, the pros far outweigh the cons. Still, it’s important to understand the advantages and disadvantages of quartz surfaces before you buy. Let’s start with the benefits.
•High-quality natural color
Quartz countertops have a modern, luxurious, and uniform appearance. Natural stone coloring and veining vary from slab to slab, while Viatera utilizes best-in-class quartz manufacturing technology to create products with consistent quality, performance and aesthetics time after time. Quartz counters come in various colors and aren’t limited to what can be found in nature.
•Durable and hygienic surface
Quartz counters are durable and more resistant to scratches, chips and cracks than other surfaces.. Quartz also resists water damage, stains, mold, and bacteria, making it an excellent choice for bathrooms, kitchens, and professional environments.
•Easy care & maintenance
With natural stone countertops like marble and granite, you must use special cleaners and regularly apply a sealant. Quartz countertops never require sealing and can be easily cleaned with a non-abrasive cleaner.
Disadvantages of quartz countertop
Quartz can be more expensive than other countertops but is generally cheaper than natural stone and other luxury options. It does require professional installation and can discolor when exposed to high temperatures and extensive heat for long periods.
For high-quality quartz, check out the Viatera line.
Picking the material for your countertop will impact how it looks and functions. There are many options to choose from, including granite, marble, quartz and concrete. Let’s look at quartz.
It is among the most popular countertop materials for kitchens and bathrooms. This engineered stone has a loyal following because it looks good and is durable. And as it’s made by mixing 90% ground mineral quartz with 10% resin and pigments, it doesn’t have some of the weaknesses of natural stone, like porosity. To decide if quartz is the right countertop material for you, we’ve prepared a detailed breakdown of its pros and cons.
What are the Benefits and Drawbacks of Quartz Countertops?
Before you consider buying a quartz countertop, be sure to evaluate its benefits and drawbacks.
Pros
1) It’s Durable
Quartz doesn’t crack, scratch or chip easily, making it ideal for busy and messy kitchens. It’s engineered to be stronger than natural stones. On the Mohs hardness scale, quartz is rated 7 out of 10, meaning it can withstand a household’s regular wear and tear.
2) It’s Attractive and Consistent
From a natural, rustic appearance to a luxurious finish, you can achieve virtually any look you want with quartz by changing its pigment colours. Unlike natural stones which are all unique, quartz offers uniformity in terms of both colour and pattern. This means what you selected in the showroom is what you will get.
3) It’s Stain-Resistant
Quartz is non-porous so spills that could stain, discolour or permanently damage the stone won’t seep in. This makes it quartz an excellent choice for kitchen countertops as you don’t need to panic if you accidentally spill red wine, as a quick cleanup will suffice.
4) It Requires Little Maintenance
Because of their non-porosity, quartz countertops don’t breed bacteria or other microorganisms, meaning they don’t require regular maintenance.
To clean yours, simply wipe the surface with a soft sponge moistened with warm water and mild soap.
The best part about them is that quartz countertops don’t need to be sealed, waxed or re-polished, unlike their natural stone countertops.
5) It Adds Value to Your Home
The rising popularity and attractiveness of quartz countertops make it a selling point of homes on the market. Homebuyers want stylish additions like hardwood floors, smart home technology and durable countertops. So, investing in a quartz countertop for your kitchen island or bathroom vanity should increase your home’s resale value.
DID YOU KNOW?The process of engineering quartz for countertops was developed in northwest Italy in 1963 by the Breton company which licensed it under the trademark
Bretonstone®.
Cons
1) It’s Expensive
If you’re on a tight budget, quartz is not suitable. All of its great qualities –durability, appearance, stain resistance – come at a cost. The price of a quartz countertop can range between $40 and $100 per square foot depending on the quality of the material, design, edge profile and manufacturer. Add to that the cost of installation and cut-outs for the sink and other fixtures.
2) It’s Vulnerable to Heat Damage
Excessive heat can damage a quartz countertop because its resins melt when in contact with heat. That’s why you should avoid putting items like hot pots, pans or curling irons directly on the surface. Instead, place them on a hot pad or trivet.
3) It’s Difficult to Install
Quartz countertop installation is not a DIY project. It requires a skilled professional to take measurements, level the slab and secure the countertop.
It’s also a heavy stone (around 20 pounds per square foot) which makes professional installation a must.
4) It’s Not Recommended for Outdoor Use
Want a good countertop material for your outdoor kitchen? Quartz won’t do as the resins that bind the countertop fade and discolour when exposed to direct sunlight.
5) The Seams Are Noticeable
The seams on quartz countertop are noticeable, unpleasant to look at and vulnerable to damage. Choosing dark-tone quartz makes them less visible.
Do you want your kitchen or bathroom to look upscale? Do you want it to last without spending a lot of time on countertop maintenance? Quartz is a great material but has its drawbacks, including being difficult to install, expensive, vulnerable to heat and having visible seams. Evaluate its pros and cons to make an informed purchase.